ATLANTIC UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

GUIDELINES FOR THE SERVICE OF CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE

 (FOR BEACH AND OUTSIDE LOCATION WEDDINDGS, PLEASE READ NUMBER 18 AT BOTTOM OF PAGE.)

1. The Service of Christian marriage, in addition to being a legal act authorized by the State, is a Christian Worship Service in which those to be married present themselves at the altar of the Church or some other suitable place to ask the blessings of God.
2. The arrangements for performing the ceremony should be scheduled at least four months in advance.  We do not schedule weddings on Festival days or during Holy Week, and your date will be confirmed only after an initial consultation with the Pastor.
3. One or two pre-marriage consultations with the Pastor will give us the opportunity to explore your goals and expectations for the wedding ceremony and for married life.
4. While it is not required that you be a member of the church in order to be married at Atlantic Church, we encourage couples to attend worship in order to continue their growth together in Christ.  We ask couples to prayerfully consider expanding their spiritual walk by becoming members of the Atlantic United Methodist Church family.  What better time to open your life to God's love and grace than at this important time of your life together?
5. The wedding will be performed by Pastor agreed on after consultation.  Visiting clergy may participate only by invitation by the Pastor.
6. Altar/Chancel Regulations
   1. The Bible must remain on the Altar and open.
   2. Chancel furniture remains in its usual place.
   3. Flowers/decorations must be approved by the Pastor.
   4. No tape or wire is permitted to attach decorations.  Ribbons must be used for this purpose.
   5. Brass candelabras with globes may be used.
7. The marriage license for Worcester County must be obtained from the County Court house (County Clerk - Snow hill).  It is valid for six months, but has a 48 hour waiting period, and the wedding must be performed in the county that issued the license.  You may obtain information regarding weddings in Ocean City and surrounding area at the following website. http://ococean.com/weddings/getting-married-in-oc
8. The rehearsal is usually held on the Thursday evening before the wedding at 6:00 p.m., unless otherwise arranged.  Please be on time.  It is the responsibility of the bride and groom to insure the wedding party arrives on time.  Please bring your marriage license, wedding candle(s), programs, guest book, fees and honorarium.  These items should be given to the Pastor before the rehearsal begins.
9. The taking of flash pictures is permitted only during the processional and recessional.  This will create a still quiet time for the sacred moment when the vows are exchanged.  Please pass the request along to family and friends.  The Nave will be available following the service for as many pictures as desired.
10. Rice and confetti are not permitted to be used inside or outside the Church.  Bird seed is permitted but may be thrown only on the outside of the Church as the bride and groom depart for the reception.
11. Fellowship Hall:  The fellowship hall may be used for wedding receptions for a fee for non-members.  For any function in fellowship hall which requires the use of the kitchen, a representative of the church must be present to supervice the use of the kitchen.  Arrangements should be made four months in advance.
12. NO alcholoic beverages and NO smoking permitted in or on Church property.
13. The Pastor has many responsibilities.  Among these is "to perform the marriage ceremony after due counsel with the parties involved."  The decision to perform the ceremony shall be the responsibility of the Pastor.  The determining factors are:  A Christian commitment, and a seriousness of intent to marry and build a Christian marriage.  Qualification for performing marriage shall be in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland, and of the United Methodist Church.
14. If there are any questions, please contact the Pastor at 410-289-7430 or 302-353-8523.
15. If you use a bulletin, please include the following statement:  "In order to honor the sacredness of our service, please turn off the "audible" mode for beepers, cell phones, etc.  In addition, please do not take flash photos during the exchange of vows.  Honoring these requests will help insure the sacredness of the day."
16. Fees  (If you are using checks, please place them in separate envelopes and make them payable to each person and given to Pastor before the rehearsal begins.)  Pastor Norm will discuss the fees with you when you are intouch with him.
    
    1. Atlantic United Methodist Church              
    2. Pastor                           
    3. Custodian - Mike Purnell 
    4. *Organist - June Todd      
    5. Sound, Lights, Overhead Projection Technician (Required if you need special music through our sound system to be used during the service (such as use of microphones, CD accompaniement, videos or slides projected, special effects of lighting during evening weddings.)
    6. Preparation and running of bulletins for the wedding.
    7. Preparation of picture slides to be shown before and/or during wedding.
17. Flowers:  Flower delivery time over the weekend is ONLY Saturday between 10a.m. and 1p.m.  Florist should refer to Thrift Shop for getting into the church.
18. Weddings on the beach and at outside locations are under different guidelines.  Please contact Rev. poultney at beachpastor1@verizon.net to discuss these guidelines.